When The Rippingtons Featuring Russ Freeman debuted
in the late 1980s, they were supposed to be a one-act concept. A group
of friends assembled by Freeman for what was intended as a one-time
project. Now, some 25 years later, The Rippingtons are still going
strong with Built to Last (Peak/eOne, 2012).

This release delves into previously uncharged territory. Several tracks
are composed like a film score with Freeman handling all orchestra and
brass arrangements. Freeman also wrote all the songs, except “Cougars
and Gigolos” and “Firefly,” which he co-wrote with his wife, Yaredt
Leon.

The title song opens the set, much like the main title of a motion
picture. The orchestrations get things going, then about a minute and a
half into the piece, the rock band that is The Rippingtons steps in.
Freeman gives credit to producer Andi Howard for keeping it intact, a
suggestion that had this recording been done with the usual approach, a
good bit of material would be left out.

“Route 66” is more of a departure than the orchestral pieces. Though not
the classic jazz song of the same name, it does capture the classic jazz
sound. The big band vibe carries the tune for the most part, even some
real-sounding muted horn synths. Freeman throws in some Montgomery-esque
jazz guitar for good measure.

“Built to Last” is recorded three times. The reprise features Freeman
alone with his classical guitar. And the set ends with “Built to Last”
anchoring a sequence of four pieces that are remade with the orchestral
element.

In the liner notes, Freeman tells the story behind Built to Last,
with individual notes for each song. There is also a tribute to nearly
60 musicians and featured vocalists who have been part of the
Rippingtons at one time or another. However, one shortcoming is that
there is no listing of personnel who contributed to Built to Last.
Saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa is credited for solos on two songs, and
guitarist Zakk Wylde appears on “Monolith.”